Know The Signs

​There are many signs that can indicate ongoing or recent child abuse and neglect. The most recognizable are physical signs, such as cuts and bruises in different stages of healing, rashes, redness in the genital area or a child’s appearance overall.

However, there are other signs of abuse like changes in behavior, fatigue or changes in eating patterns that may not be as apparent, which can contribute to abuse going undetected.

Child abuse and neglect are never the child’s fault. Many abusive adults rely on a child’s innocence to convince children to be silent, or lie about abuse that is going on. Children who have survived abuse may experience feelings of shame, guilt or embarrassment associated with maltreatment or neglect, and may even believe the abuse is their fault. Experiencing these feelings is wounding and can make a child feel confused or alone. However, in many cases it is possible to mitigate—or even prevent—these negative outcomes by recognizing and knowing the common signs and reactions to child abuse. Recognizing the indicators and beginning an open and supportive conversation with a child is an important first step in identifying a problem and beginning the healing process.​The signs listed below are not definitive statements of abuse, but rather suggest that if a child is exhibiting these signs, close monitoring should be enacted to ensure the child is protected.

Signs of Child Abuse

Children who have experienced child abuse and may demonstrate any of the following signs.

Developmental:

Failure to thrive socially or academically

Speech disorders

Delayed physical development

Attachment issues, such as discomfort with physical contact or difficulty connecting with others

Lags in physical, emotional or intellectual development

Learning disorders

Behavioral:

Behavior extremes, such as appearing overly compliant and passive or very demanding and aggressive.

Withdrawn and/or overly sensitive behaviors

Increased fear or avoidance of a specific person and/or situation

Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings

Substance use

Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

Anxiety and/or excessive worrying

Physical:

Bruises, welts or swelling

Sprains or fractures

Burns

Lacerations or abrasions

Frequent physical complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches

Fatigue

Bedwetting

Sexual:

Difficulty in walking or sitting

Torn, stained or bloody clothing

Pain or itching in the genital area; bruises or bleeding in the external genital area

Sexually transmitted infections or diseases

Pregnancy

Knowledge of or interest in sexual behaviors that are not age appropriate

Psychological:

Low self-esteem

Uncharacteristic obedience or perfectionism

Strong feelings of shame or guilt

Programmed statements or behaviors

Signs of NeglectChildren who have experienced child abuse and may demonstrate any of the following signs.

Developmental:

Failure to thrive

Delayed physical development

Speech disorders

Attachment issues, such as seeking comfort and attention from others or difficulty forming relationships

Lags in physical, emotional or intellectual development.

Learning disorders

Physical:

Lack of adequate supervision, nutrition, shelter

Poor hygiene

Inappropriate dress

Rashes or skin abrasions

Frequently home alone or without appropriate supervision

Educational:

Infrequent attendance in school

Excessive tardiness

Lack of school supplies

Incomplete or missing homework or school forms

Medical:

Unattended medical or dental needs

Regular illnesses

​Behavioral:

Low self-esteem

Behavior extremes, such as appearing overly compliant and passive or very demanding and aggressive

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Our agency is staffed by VOLUNTEERS and thus we are not always able to respond to non emergency phone calls and/or emails immediately but will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about your safety or are worried about a friend or family member, the National Domestic Violence hotline offers a confidential 24-hour hotline you can call anytime to receive information, emotional support, and emergency help: 1-800-334-2836.

The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided under any of the topics is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not a substitute for contacting an experienced attorney. Click HERE to read Our Full Disclaimer